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Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common in immigrant children with increased skin pigmentation living in higher latitudes. We assessed the pattern of and risk factors for VDD in immigrant East African children living in Melbourne (latitude 37°49′ South).

Study design: A prospective survey of 232 East African children attending a clinic in Melbourne. Data were collected by questionnaire, medical assessment and laboratory tests.

Conclusions: Asymptomatic VDD is common in East African immigrant children residing at a temperate latitude. Risk factors for VDD limit endogenous vitamin D production. Screening of immigrant children with increased skin pigmentation for VDD, anaemia, iron and vitamin A deficiency is appropriate. VDD in adolescent females identifies an increased risk of future infants with VDD.

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Footnotes

The study was conducted utilising the facilities and the material support of the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, and the Royal Children’s Hospital. No other funding was required.

Competing interests: None.

Abbreviations:

ALP

alkaline phosphatase

BMI

body mass index

95% CI

95% confidence interval

IQR

interquartile range

25-OHD

25-hydroxyvitamin D

PTH

parathyroid hormone

RCH

Royal Children’s Hospital

RR

risk ratio

SD

standard deviation

SED

standard erythemal dose

UVB

ultraviolet B

UVR

ultraviolet radiation

VDD

vitamin D deficiency

VDI

vitamin D insufficiency

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2007 BMJ Publishing Group & Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health